Small and sumptuous: Lexus LBX Premium Plus

Yesoh, what is the Lexus LBX? Fortunately, you’ll always be able to remember one version of its identity, if only because the name LBX is a useful mnemonic or near-mnemonic: “Lexus Breakthrough X-over” (i.e. crossover SUV/hatch). It is therefore the smallest and most economical vehicle to carry the Lexus badge and the first to feature a three-cylinder engine.

It shares much of its engineering with the Toyota Yaris (Lexus is the company’s luxury brand) and is a gasoline hybrid, of course, because Toyota doesn’t really believe in the electric vehicle revolution. (In case you were wondering, there will be no all-battery electric LBX.)

You can get a version that mimics four-wheel drive, but basically this is the standard compact SUV type, with an electric motor in the rear, but it looks pretty useless.

This is an urban transport that can also hold its own over long distances and with a genuinely luxurious/premium feel. It’s a good package: the Audi Q2, Mercedes-GLA and Mini Countryman are its stylish rivals.

It is a beautiful car, in fact, and somehow, within the usual conventions of this type of car, which are now numerous, they have given it a certain personality and distinction of its own.

I like the youthful, plump proportions combined with some mature skills (he reminds me of Luke “The Luke” Littler for some reason), and the stylists have obviously put a lot of effort into getting all the details right. Hence the precision-cut, frameless honeycomb grille that blends into the bumper; and the generally impeccable fit and finish, aligned with the best building traditions of the Toyota group.

In the choice of construction materials, a slightly longer wheelbase and a more expensive type of bipolar battery, Lexus designers have built “premium” features into the car that lag far behind the usual cosmetic upgrades.

There are a variety of trim levels and color options, and for what it’s worth, it looks especially good with the “Elegant Blue” paint and exquisitely stitched tan seats.

For safety reasons, the LBX is equipped with the latest self-driving features, plus an “electronic deadbolt” that tries to prevent you from opening the door if the car detects a vehicle or bike approaching from the side – a great idea .

Audible speed limit warnings are also now included in all new cars, which some people will find annoying and distracting, but could well save you from a speeding ticket, or worse.

The doors, by the way, feature the modern idea of ​​an electric release button rather than a traditional handle (although there is one hidden in the door pocket in case of failure). Another novelty is that you can forget about the car key, in a good way.

Lexus says the LXB can be “opened and started using a new smartphone app-based digital key. You don’t even have to take your phone out of your pocket or bag; simply having it with you gives you access. The app can be shared with up to five users and is compatible with Apple and Android devices.”

I didn’t have a chance to test this, so you’ll have to take that statement at face value. I can foresee problems with it…

But none of that is really the point of the LXB, which has to be the most pampered car out there for its size (since smaller vehicles will always be inherently more “choppy”).

The leatherette seats, for example, are especially sumptuous, and then there’s the “Hey Lexus” voice recognition software (good for the basics). As a “self-charging” hybrid (that is, a gasoline car with regenerative braking that can offer short bursts of electric-only propulsion), if you drive it gently enough around town you can travel in silence.

On the other hand, as with all hybrids, if you have to stomp on the highway or going up a hill, you’ll encounter the traditional hybrid “whin,” in which increasing engine revs through the continuously variable transmission generates More noise than acceleration. It’s pretty minimal, though, and the three-cylinder engine generally makes a nice, quiet hum.

I noticed that if you use your phone and Google Maps to navigate, you don’t get the relevant directions to appear on the virtual “head up” screen, and that the map on the screen disappears when you are at an intersection – the screen switches to camera mode (for security), but these are small inconveniences, to be fair.

Dynamically, it’s quite satisfying and competitive in its class, although the steering feels a bit remote. I suppose it’s worth mentioning that Toyota’s levels of quality and reliability are obviously included, and that Lexus dealerships have long enjoyed an enviable reputation for excellent customer service.

But the adorable little LXB does have one drawback: a premium price, which starts at around £30,000 and tops out at close to £50,000 if you go a little crazy with the options, so you’ll need to be well protected financially if you choose that. .

So something for The Luke to spend his darts winnings on.